Drifting into another lane while riding through a curve is typically due to:

Use this motorcycle practice test question to prepare for the real written exam at the DMV or during your motorcycle safety course. 

Drifting into another lane while riding through a curve is typically due to:

1. The rider entering the curve too fast. 
2. Other vehicles crowding the center line. 
3. The rider taking the curve too slowly. 
4. Faulty brakes.

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: A. The rider entering the curve too fast. 

How’d you do? Learn more about this motorcycle topic below. 

Explanation: Riding Through Curves

In order to pass your motorcycle permit exams and to become a safe rider, it’s important to know why a particular answer on the motorcycle written test is correct. 

Improper turning techniques through curves is a leading cause of single-vehicle crashes for motorcyclists. 

One of the major factors at play is the speed at which the rider enters into the curve. 

Entering the curve too fast can cause you to swing wide into another lane of traffic or running off the road completely. 

Many times, this situation will lead the rider to  overreact and brake too hard, which will typically cause them to lose control of the bike and crash.

Always slow down to a safe speed before you enter the curve. Once you enter the curve:

• Turn your head to look in the direction you intend to go. 
• Press your handlebars and lean in the direction of the curve. 
• Roll onto the throttle through the curve to maintain or increase your speed. 

Failing to look through the curve is another cause of single-vehicle collisions for motorcycles. 

This can cause a scenario known as object fixation, in which you will head in the direction of what you’re looking at. That could be an oncoming vehicle, a tree, a curb, etc. 

You can find more information about this topic in the motorcycle rider’s handbook.

Check out more motorcycle permit test questions and answers here.

Find in-depth articles for new riders in our section dedicated to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Plus, check out an overview of the requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement in each state.